Our journey of discovery through ancient Macedonia will take us to the remains of some of the most impressive cities of ancient Greece.
06-13 October 2020
We will explore Pella, Alexander the Great’s birthplace; Stageira, the birthplace of Aristotle; Amphipolis (where on-going excursions have recently revealed possibly the largest tomb in Greece), and Philippi, founded by Philip II. We will visit fascinating sites including the Grotto of the Nymphs – where Alexander studied under Aristotle as a boy; Aiane, a little visited ancient city of mountainous Upper Macedonia; Vergina (the ancient capital of Macedonia, Aigai, and the resting place of Alexander’s father) where the gold treasures of the wonderfully-preserved Royal Tombs are now displayed and finally the ancient sanctuary of Dion, dedicated to Zeus. We will also visit the “Gold of Macedon” exhibition with its the array of ancient treasures housed in the Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum.
Duration
8 days
Tour content
General interest, history, archaeology and landscapes
Leader
One of our best expert guide-lecturers
DAY
1
ARRIVAL: Arrival Thessaloniki. Transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
DAY
2
PELLA: Visit to the archaeological museum which reveals spectacular pieces of Macedonian gold and silver. Coninue to Pella, birthplace of Alexander the Great. View the site and the new museum. Return to Thessaloniki. Dinner and overnight.
DAY
3
OLYNTHOS/STAGEIRA: Travel to Olynthos to view the ancient city urban plan and some of the earliest pebble mosaics. On to Stageira, birthplace of Aristotle, tutor of Alexander, to see the impressive city walls and excavations. Return to Thessaloniki. Dinner and overnight Hotel Royal.
DAY
4
AMPHIPOLIS/PHILIPPI: Travel through impressive scenery to the hilltop site at Amphipolis. Continue to the extensive remains at Philippi. Return to Thessaloniki. Dinner and overnight Hotel Royal.
DAY
5
EDESSA/ MIEZA/VERIA: Depart for Veria en route call at Edessa, to see the spectacular waterfalls, followed by a visit to ancient Longos. Continue for a visit to the Macedonian tombs at Mieza. Then on to the grotto where Aristotle taught the young Alexander. Dinner at local taverna, overnight Villa Elia, Veria.
DAY
6
AIANE: Drive to Aiane, a well-organised city dating back to the 2nd millennium BC and abandoned in the 1st century, including the museum. Return to Veria. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight Veria.
DAY
7
DION/VERGINA: Then on to the extensive remains at Dion, a large city with a fascinating sanctuary complex. Then travel to Vergina to see the treasures at the Royal tombs. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight Veria.
DAY
8
DEPARTURE: Depart transfer to Thessaloniki airport.
Price
€ 1030 per person sharing twin-bedded room
single room supplement € 230
Includes
• Transfer and assistance upon arrival and departure
• Coach with driver
• Half board
• Expert English-speaking guide-lecturer
• VAT
Excludes
• Entrance fees to sites and museums
• Lunches from day 1 through to day 8
• Tips / gratuities/ porterage
More Information
Flights
There are several direct flights to Thessaloniki and via Athens. If you require further information from your point of origin from anywhere in the world please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail info@naturallygreece.gr we would be pleased to assist you.
Group Size
15 – 20 persons
Weather
Likely temperatures 20 – 26C. Mainly sunny, rain possible.
Booking information – How to book – Terms and Conditions
Naturally Greece is trading under the tour operator Palandjian World Ltd
How to Book a Naturally Greece Tour
Early application is recommended to avoid disappointment. Complete the on line booking request and we will reply with confirmation to your e-mail address.
Deposits Required
For our tours € 250 (euros) per person is required (or full payment if the booking is made within two months of departure).Upon receipt of your deposit we will send you a confirmation receipt.
How to Pay
By secure payment link or by bank transfer. We do not accept American Express cards. Please Note: Credit card charges are non-refundable under any circumstance.
Payment of Balance
The full payment is due two calendar months prior to departure.
Insurance
It is essential that you have full insurance cover in force for the duration of the tour. Please note your insurance will not be effective and you will not be covered for cancellation charges until you pay the full premium. We require all participants to have adequate travel insurance covering accidents, sickness, medical expenses, repatriation and personal liability as well as cancelled, delayed and missed departure. We also recommend ensuring you have cancellation cover in place for all tours, from the time of booking.
Flight arrangements
It is your own responsibility to book and pay for your flights to Greece. Upon booking your flights, please complete the Flight Confirmation Form at least 2 months before commencement of the tour and send by e-mail.
Fitness to Travel
Passengers should be in good health as all tours involve a fair amount of walking often over uneven cobbled streets, rough paths, steep hillsides or steps.
Accommodation
Hotel accommodation is in twin-sharing or double-bedded rooms with private bath or shower and toilet. We will try to accommodate clients who request single rooms. We will also try to accommodate clients travelling on their own but wishing to share, but if there is no other single person on the tour willing also to share we will have to charge the single room supplement.
Special Requests
Any special requests made on your booking form will be noted and we will do our best to provide these for you. We cannot, however, guarantee to comply with your request.
Changes by Naturally Greece
At present all information regarding the tour has been checked and is, to the best of our knowledge, correct. However, for reasons beyond our control, changes may need to be made to hotels, programmes and leaders. We cannot therefore guarantee that itineraries and programmes will be followed as published.
Cancellation by Customers
Should you have to cancel your tour, you should notify us in writing advising us of the reason for cancellation. The scale of cancellation charges is calculated according to the number of days prior to departure that written notice is received by us.
Booking information – How to book – Terms and Conditions
Naturally Greece is trading under the tour operator Palandjian World Ltd
How to Book a Naturally Greece Tour
Early application is recommended to avoid disappointment. Complete the on line booking request and we will reply with confirmation to your e-mail address.
Deposits Required
For our tours € 250 (euros) per person is required (or full payment if the booking is made within two months of departure).Upon receipt of your deposit we will send you a confirmation receipt.
How to Pay
By secure payment link or by bank transfer. We do not accept American Express cards. Please Note: Credit card charges are non-refundable under any circumstance.
Payment of Balance
The full payment is due two calendar months prior to departure.
Insurance
It is essential that you have full insurance cover in force for the duration of the tour. Please note your insurance will not be effective and you will not be covered for cancellation charges until you pay the full premium. We require all participants to have adequate travel insurance covering accidents, sickness, medical expenses, repatriation and personal liability as well as cancelled, delayed and missed departure. We also recommend ensuring you have cancellation cover in place for all tours, from the time of booking.
Flight arrangements
It is your own responsibility to book and pay for your flights to Greece. Upon booking your flights, please complete the Flight Confirmation Form at least 2 months before commencement of the tour and send by e-mail to info@naturallygreece.gr
Fitness to Travel
Passengers should be in good health as all tours involve a fair amount of walking often over uneven cobbled streets, rough paths, steep hillsides or steps.
Accommodation
Hotel accommodation is in twin-sharing or double-bedded rooms with private bath or shower and toilet. We will try to accommodate clients who request single rooms. We will also try to accommodate clients travelling on their own but wishing to share, but if there is no other single person on the tour willing also to share we will have to charge the single room supplement.
Special Requests
Any special requests made on your booking form will be noted and we will do our best to provide these for you. We cannot, however, guarantee to comply with your request.
Changes by Naturally Greece
At present all information regarding the tour has been checked and is, to the best of our knowledge, correct. However, for reasons beyond our control, changes may need to be made to hotels, programmes and leaders. We cannot therefore guarantee that itineraries and programmes will be followed as published.
Cancellation by Customers
Should you have to cancel your tour, you should notify us in writing advising us of the reason for cancellation. The scale of cancellation charges is calculated according to the number of days prior to departure that written notice is received by us.
